Christmas activities

Practical parenting Christmas is upon us again. Here's our round-up of events happening over the next week.

Children can get into the Christmas spirit (if not the woolly clothing) with carols at the Shangri-La hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Christmas is upon us, and while for many people that means spending time at home with their families, that doesn't mean that there still isn't plenty to do if you decide to get out and about. Here's our round-up of events happening over the next week.

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Mall will be holding a Christmas bazaar until Dec 31. Lots of crafts will be available; call o2 645 4858 for details. Also, tomorrow is the last day to take your kids to meet Santa at the grotto. Dubai: Take your little ones to a festive Teddy Bear Tea today and tomorrow at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Enjoy a buffet and Santa story reading between 4.00pm and 5.00pm. Dh100 per person. Favourite Things winter camp will be running until Jan 7 (today until Wednesday, Sunday to Dec 31 and Jan 4 to Jan 7). Activities include drama, cooking, face painting and puppet shows. Morning sessions (between 9.30am and 1.00pm) are available for two to three-year-olds and four to seven-year-olds. The cost for members is Dh420 for four sessions or Dh120 for one session; for non-members it's Dh520 for four sessions or Dh150 for one session. Children younger than four must be accompanied by an adult (@email:www.favouritethings.com).

Abu Dhabi: If you feel like trying something different on Christmas Day, bookings are still available at Talay, the sea-view Thai restaurant at the Le Méridien Hotel. The meal costs Dh90 for children and Dh185 for adults. A children's menu including mini pizzas and spring rolls will be available. Children's activities, including a bouncy castle and face painting, will also be on offer (02 644 6666). Dubai: The White Christmas Eve Dinner at Ski Dubai will run today and tomorrow. The package costs Dh345 for adults and Dh245 for children. It includes snow park entry, Christmas dinner, hot chocolate, private table visits by Santa and friends, a photo with Santa and a gift from Santa. Visit @email:www.skidxb.com or call 04 323 2005 for details. Jack and the Beanstalk at the Madinat Theatre continues its run until Jan 3. Performances take place at 3.30pm and 7.30pm, and tickets cost Dh135.

Abu Dhabi: Join carol singers as they make their way around the Shangri-La hotel tomorrow, starting in the lobby at 7.00pm. Dubai: The Winter Festival at the Ibn Battuta Mall sees China Court turned into a winter wonderland with market stalls, winter movies, a gift-wrapping service and a live show featuring characters from the movie Ice Age. Until Jan 4. Catch the magician James Harrington performing at the Dubai Gold Market today, tomorrow and on Christmas Day. Harrington will be performing close-up magic between 6.00pm and 10.00pm.